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The midfield battle always has a big impact on the outcome of matches and the discussion leading into this contest centred around three players.

For the Cats, it was about Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield and whether they could continue to propel their team forward, while Luke Shuey was seen as the key to West Coast.

It was a matter of how the Eagles could curtail the impact of ‘Dangerwood’ and how Shuey would handle the attention of former housemate Scott Selwood, a man with whom he played so much footy.

The Eagles sent Mark Hutchings and Elliot Yeo to Joel Selwood and Dangerfield, dulling the impact of the Cats' stars. To tip the midfield balance clearly in West Coast’s favour, Shuey was simply outstanding.

He had 32 touches, but his aggression around the contest, tackling pressure and exquisite ball use were key factors in the result. In conjunction with Sam Mitchell, Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis, Yeo, Hutchings and Dom Sheed, the Eagles won the midfield battle.

Shuey was among the players who signalled the team’s intent and emerged as the best player afield.